I nosed around my local discount wine retailer Spencer & Daniel’s last night to see if there was anything that looked interesting. They buy up unwanted stock and closeouts from other wine retailers and sell it at often curiously low prices. I’ve had mixed success in the past. My last trip produced a yellow and almost completely oxidized half bottle of ’06 Greco di Tufo, but also a ’05 rosé from Château Pesquié which was still quite fruity. Both wines were on sale for $1.99. I usually endure a mental dilemma of wanting to fill a shopping cart to the brim with 99 cent cans of Miller Light (20 oz cans that is).

Last night’s visit yielded a bottle of Monastrell from 1998 and a half bottle of Barbaresco from 2000 for a combined total of $7. Even though I was unfamiliar with the producer, I figured the Barbaresco should perform well, as 2000 was a great vintage in Piedmont. I had no idea how the 12 year old Monastrell from Alicante would have evolved, but I half expected to be opening a bottle of vinegar.

Primitivo Quiles “Raspay” 1998 Monastrell – Alicante, Spain
In the glass the wine is completely transparent and has taken on a developed orange-hued burgundy colour. The nose smells of hazelnuts and cedar, devoid of any fresh fruit characters whatsoever. The palate again is quite nutty with raisin and cola characters and a slight cranberry fruit element. Good acid and intensity. The nuttiness and weight make this very Oloroso Sherry like. Although nothing mind blowing, this is still an interesting drink. I’d say it’s over the hill but still drinkable and I can confidently say that this is the best $2.99 I’ve ever spent on a bottle of wine. Just don’t let that get to your head, okay there Mr. Primitivo Quiles?

San Silvestro “Magno” 2000 Barbaresco – Piedmont, Italy
The nose here is fairly muted, but an interesting combination between a floral character and barbecue spice with smoked meat. The palate carries some red cherry fruit and tastes a surprising amount like unsweetened iced tea. Very little tannin, but still good acidity. There’s a heavy amount of sediment in the bottom of the bottle which all ended up in my glass. It’s just lacking something that doesn’t elevate the wine past being an average Barbaresco, but at $3.99 there’s certainly nothing to complain about.